Novolin N Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Novolin N Injection (insulin isophane, also called NPH human insulin) is an intermediate-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is identical in structure to the insulin the body naturally makes and is used for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes requiring insulin, and overall blood sugar management. It works by helping move sugar out of the blood and into the body's cells while reducing the liver's sugar production.

What is Novolin N Injection

Novolin N is a man-made insulin that is identical in structure to the insulin your body naturally makes. It is an intermediate-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Its generic name is insulin isophane (NPH, human insulin), and it belongs to the antidiabetics, insulins, and intermediate-acting insulins drug classes.

Novolin N Injection uses

• Type 1 diabetes.
• Type 2 diabetes requiring insulin.
• High fasting blood sugar.
• Blood sugar control between meals.
• Ongoing insulin treatment for diabetes.

Benefits of Novolin N Injection

• Helps control fasting blood sugar.
• Lowers blood sugar between meals.
• Supports long-term glucose control.
• Helps maintain target blood sugar levels.
• Supports diabetes management.

How Novolin N Injection works

Novolin N works like the insulin your body makes naturally. It helps move sugar out of your blood and into your cells so your body can use it for energy, and it also stops your liver from making more sugar.

Novolin N Injection dosage

Use this insulin exactly as your healthcare provider tells you, and do not change the type or amount unless instructed. Before each injection, mix the vial or pen by rolling or gently moving it until the liquid looks evenly white and cloudy; do not use it if it looks clear or has particles in it.

Inject it under the skin of the stomach area, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms, and change the exact spot each time within that area. Do not inject into skin that has pits, thickening, lumps, scars, or is bruised or tender. Do not inject into a vein or muscle, and do not use it in an insulin infusion pump.

This insulin can be mixed with Novolin R only, and the Novolin R must be drawn into the syringe first; inject the mixture right away after mixing. Children should only use this medicine under a doctor's guidance. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to low blood sugar and should follow their care team's monitoring instructions closely.

Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not double up doses.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Injectable suspension in a 10 mL multiple-dose vial.

Side effects of Novolin N Injection

Common

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Allergic reactions, including reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling, or itching)
• Skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy)
• Weight gain
• Swelling in hands or feet (fluid retention)

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction: whole-body rash, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, sweating
• Severe low blood sugar: confusion, slurred speech, seizures, loss of consciousness
• Low potassium levels: muscle weakness, cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, tingling or numbness
• Heart failure symptoms when combined with certain diabetes pills (TZDs): shortness of breath, swelling in ankles or feet, sudden weight gain
• Vision changes

Warnings and precautions

• Never share your injection pen, syringe, or needles with another person, even if the needle has been changed, because it can spread serious infections.
• Changing your insulin regimen, such as the type, strength, injection site, or brand, can cause blood sugar to go too high or too low. Make any changes only under close medical supervision with more frequent blood sugar checks.
• Low blood sugar is the most common risk with this medicine and can be serious, even life-threatening, if not treated.
• Mix-ups between this insulin and other insulin products have happened. Always check the label before each injection.
• Severe, life-threatening whole-body allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, can occur with this medicine.
• This medicine can cause low potassium levels in the blood, which if untreated can be dangerous.
• Taking certain diabetes pills called TZDs together with this insulin can cause fluid buildup that may lead to or worsen heart failure.
• Do not use this medicine during an episode of low blood sugar, or if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause problems for both you and your baby, so work with your doctor on the best way to manage your blood sugar.
• This insulin can pass into breast milk, but no harmful effects have been reported in breastfed babies. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby while using this medicine.
• If you have kidney problems, you may be at higher risk for low blood sugar and may need more frequent dose changes and blood sugar checks.
• If you have liver problems, you may be at higher risk for low blood sugar and may need more frequent dose changes and blood sugar checks.
• Avoid alcohol, as it can affect your blood sugar levels and may interfere with your diabetes treatment.
• Low blood sugar can affect your ability to concentrate and react, so be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Storage

• Keep away from heat and light.
• Do not freeze; do not use if it has been frozen.
• Store unopened vials in the refrigerator until the expiration date.
• Unopened vials may be kept at room temperature and should be thrown away after 42 days.
• Opened vials can be stored at room temperature and should be thrown away after 42 days; do not refrigerate once opened.
• Unused FlexPens may be stored in the refrigerator until the expiration date, or at room temperature and thrown away after 28 days.
• Store the FlexPen you are using at room temperature for up to 28 days, and throw it away after that even if insulin remains.
• Always store the FlexPen without the needle attached.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Dispose of used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant sharps container, and follow your local guidelines for throwing away the full container.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash over your whole body, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, or swelling of your face, tongue, or throat.
• Get emergency help if you have severe low blood sugar needing hospital care, or symptoms like trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away about any new or worsening signs of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, swelling in your ankles or feet, or sudden weight gain, especially if you also take TZD diabetes pills.
• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much insulin, since overdose can cause life-threatening low blood sugar with symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, trouble speaking, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Alternatives

• Insulatard
• Protaphane
• Humulin N